Tens of thousands call for action on climate change in downtown rally

March against climate change Thousands gathered in Place des Festivals Saturday to march against climate change and to pressure the government to better prioritize.

It was a call to action for the fight against climate change.

Thousands took to the streets of Montreal on Saturday as part of a citizen movement called The Planet Goes to Parliament, calling on politicians and the new CAQ government to make the environment a priority.

The local movement comes in response to an appeal from the UN secretary general, who says the world has reached a pivotal moment in global warming, and risks runaway climate change if leaders don’t act in the next two weeks.

The organization was supported by more than 500 Quebec personalities and scientists trying to gather 1 million signatures to force the government to revise its approach to climate-related issues.

The goal of "The Pact" is to mobilize Quebecers and "go from words to action."

Since Wednesday, the petition has amassed nearly 150,000 signatures.

A number of prominent politicians were on-hand to lend their support - including Environment Minister Isabelle Melancon, Marie-Chantal Chasse with the Treasury Board, Minister Christian Dube, Interim Liberal Leader Pierre Arcand, and Quebec Solidaire co-spokesperson Gabriel Nadeau-Dubois.

Even Mayor Valerie Plante joined the march.

Premier Francois Legault faced criticism during the election campaign, accused of not taking the environment seriously.

When he was sworn in, he added the environment to his list of priorities. However, Legault still won’t be attending the UN Climate Change Summit in Poland in December.

More to come.